Javier Mascherano praises Rafael Benítez after recent criticism

Javier Mascherano has said Liverpool will probably need to win all their remaining league matches to finish fourth. Photograph: John Walton/Empics Sport

Javier Mascherano has praised Rafael Benítez for making him 'a better player and a better person'.

The Liverpool manager was last week criticised by the winger Albert Riera for his communication skills and handling of players. That outburst appears certain to see the Spain international sent out on loan in the next fortnight to a club in Russia, where the transfer window does not close until early next month.

However, Argentina captain Mascherano, who yesterday said he expected to sign a new contract very soon, has praised Benítez. "All managers have different ways of working," said the 25-year-old, who was rescued from the fringes of a struggling West Ham United squad in January 2007 by Benítez. "Rafa is totally different from [Argentina coach] Diego Maradona and the other managers I've had.

"For three and a half years I've been working with Rafa and I can now say I'm a better player and a better person from when I arrived here. That's down to Rafa and his staff."

Mascherano, who has been one of Liverpool's most consistent performers this season, believes the team have to win their remaining seven matches to secure Champions League football next season.

If they were to do that they would finish with 72 points, which was more than enough for Arsenal to clinch fourth last season as they finished nine points clear of Everton. "I think we will have to win all our games. We have seven finals and we have to win all of them to have hope of finishing fourth," he said.

"If we can win 21 points, maybe we will be there. If not, it will be very difficult."

And the Argentinian has singled out their three remaining away matches – against Birmingham City, Burnley and Hull City – for special attention. Liverpool have won only four times away in the league this season, with their last victory coming at Aston Villa on 29 December.

"I think the problem for us this season has been the away form," he said. "Obviously we have to keep going in the same way at home, but if we want to have hopes of finishing fourth, we have to improve away."

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